Cedar Creek Gorge: Spring Ephemerals

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 8:30am 

Leader: Mark Bowers, monarda55@gmail.com, 724-454-4012

Directions:  From SR 51 north or south, turn east onto Concord Ln at the light across from C. Harper Ford (approximately 0.6 mi north of the crossroads with Rt 70). Shortly after turn onto Municipal Dr. and follow for approximately 0.7 mi to the park entrance (left turn). Follow main park road all the way down to the bottom of the gorge, meet in the trailhead / boat ramp parking area.

GPS: 40.178249, -79.777865

Description: Join us for a hike through the scenic Cedar Creek Gorge, an area boasting some of the richest and most diverse assemblage of ephemeral wildflowers in the county including 3 species of trillium, trout lily, bloodroot, dutchman’s breeches, and hundreds of virginia bluebells. In addition, we should be in time for some early migrants like Louisiana Waterthrush and Yellow-throated Warbler which frequent this river valley. We will walk the bottom of the gorge through and loop up to the model airplane field as time permits. This walk contains some steep sections as well as a small stream crossing, so please come prepared and with appropriate footwear. Following the hike, we can enjoy a sack lunch at one of the park’s pavilions. There are restroom facilities present at the trailhead.